Bank Charges OFT Test Case Discussion

Nathan_Spleen

Have CAG ever made a serious attempt to talk to the OFT? Have you? Do you expect the OFT to trawl the internet looking for people to talk to?

dchurch24

Actually, we did try very seriously to get the OFT involved - at first they seemed keen. We even had meetings in a parliamentary office where an OFT representive attended. Then they held their credit card charge investigation and we contacted them again. This time they refused to talk to us, and just added a line to their report that the banks should also filter this through to 'other products' like current accounts. Perhaps in an attempt to get us to shut up about it, I don't know.

We were more-or-less tricked into that 'protest' outside the OFT by a copy-cat site. We really didn't want to be involved and the CAG site was used as a springboard for it. Other groups turning up in fancy dress was making light of a serious issue IMHO, and that was the downfall of it. Prior to the 'protest' the OFT had agreed to meet us, it was only when everyone and his mate turned up dressed as Robin Hood that they said no - and who could blame them?

As stated above, I also sent evidence to them prior to this case, as requested by them. It was largely ignored and I received a standard letter of reply.

This whole thing actually started in 1994 see this link:
http://stevewhiting.co.uk/fairbanking.aspx
But yes you're right, only really since 2005/2006 did it really start to take off!

Yes, I know Stephen Whiting, but I meant the 'campaign' rather than someone noticing the legalities - or not, of charging for a penalty.

The co-owner of CAG first sued a bank successfully for this a few years before, but signed a confidentiality agreement at the time.

Nathan_Spleen

I'm afraid your version of events doesn't quite chime with that of the official account by one Bankfodder who reported:

''A policeman came to me and said that he had a message from the OFT press office and that they would be prepared to speak with me alone. I asked the policeman to say to them that if they would be prepared to let us know in advance what it was they would be prepared to discuss then I would be happy to go into the meeting. The message came back that they were not prepared to give any advance indication of subjects for discussion and that the invitation to speak was now withdrawn. I still take this as a refusal.''


So, CAG showed up to 'have our voice heard' and when presented with the oportunity, on a plate, they blew it by asking what THEY wanted to talk about. I can't speak for the OFT of course but my hunch would be that the subject matter for discussion the OFT had in mind may have included bank charges.

This was hardly a serious attempt at a serious discussion was it?. Other sites and campaigners have managed to strike up a very healthy relationship with them, Robin Hood outfits or not.

dchurch24

I'm not sure what your point is? That's what happened on the day, yes. Prior to that day we had been talking and writing to the OFT and were given refusals to talk - like I said.

We asked for a meeting and provided a proposed agenda. It was refused.

We have had dealings with the OFT in the past, prior to that day and to ask for an agenda would not be out of line considering the conduct in the past.

The 'protest' is a different matter. We had intended to go to their offices to find out why they were refusing, when it was more-or-less hijacked and turned into a 'protest' of sorts - you'll notice in the video that the few people from CAG (the ones wearing the t-shirts) were not in fancy dress or waving banners etc... This is one of the reasons why we have since distanced ourself from the other group that turned up.

And to say they you guess they wanted to talk about 'Bank Charges' IMO shows your lack of understanding of the depth of the issue.

...but if you want to believe that we haven't tried to talk to the OFT or provide evidence when they finally did decide to do something about it, then you have no idea why the CAG site was set up in the first place.

Nathan_Spleen

Okey doke!

Nathan_Spleen

dchurch24 wrote: »

I'm not sure what your point is? That's what happened on the day, yes. Prior to that day we had been talking and writing to the OFT and were given refusals to talk - like I said.

We asked for a meeting and provided a proposed agenda. It was refused.

We have had dealings with the OFT in the past, prior to that day and to ask for an agenda would not be out of line considering the conduct in the past.

The 'protest' is a different matter. We had intended to go to their offices to find out why they were refusing, when it was more-or-less hijacked and turned into a 'protest' of sorts - you'll notice in the video that the few people from CAG (the ones wearing the t-shirts) were not in fancy dress or waving banners etc... This is one of the reasons why we have since distanced ourself from the other group that turned up.

And to say they you guess they wanted to talk about 'Bank Charges' IMO shows your lack of understanding of the depth of the issue.

...but if you want to believe that we haven't tried to talk to the OFT or provide evidence when they finally did decide to do something about it, then you have no idea why the CAG site was set up in the first place.

My point couldn't be clearer: You complain the OFT won't talk to you yet when they invite you to do just that you blew it and blame it on others.

You then suggest claiming the credit for the cross-over to current accounts of their credit card investigation! You cannot be serious!

dchurch24

You carry on Sir. Think what you will.

I know what went on because I was here, I know what we spoke to the OFT about because it was me that spoke to them.

I wasn't complaining, I was merely stating the sequence of events. We used to have relations with the OFT, then they broke it off. I can't state that any clearer.

Nathan_Spleen

dchurch24 wrote: »

We used to have relations with the OFT, then they broke it off..

Fancy that eh?

dchurch24

I'm not sure I understand you.

I have no idea why that would have been the case, yet you seem to, perhaps you would like to enlighten me.

Nathan_Spleen

I know from personal experience that drumming up a meaningful and productive relationship with the OFT is not difficult - even after managing to upset them.

I also know, from personal experience, that CAG's communication skills, or lack of them. are legendry.